Movie Review: Michael Collins, Bloody Sunday, and Hunger

Movie Review:
Students will write a one-page review of each of the three movies (Michael Collins, Bloody Sunday, and Hunger) assigned in this course. A Movie Review Rubric is included in Learn. Please ensure you include the following in your review:
Identify all of the important characters and major traits. Discuss whether there are clear-cut villains and/or heroes. You should also be able to identify all of the major issues presented in the film. Consider the conflicts presented and how this works to the overall theme of the movie. Think about what the film presents as “good” and what it presents as “evil”. Are these issues simple or complex?

Michael Collins (1996) Review

Michael Collins is a historical drama depicting the life of the Irish revolutionary leader Michael Collins, played by Liam Neeson. The film highlights Collins’ role in Ireland’s struggle for independence, focusing on his leadership of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), his negotiations for the Anglo-Irish Treaty, and his eventual assassination.

Key characters include:

• Michael Collins (Liam Neeson): A charismatic and determined revolutionary leader.
• Éamon de Valera (Alan Rickman): A political leader who disagrees with Collins’ methods.
• Harry Boland (Aidan Quinn): Collins’ close friend and rival in both politics and romance.
• Kitty Kiernan (Julia Roberts): Collins’ love interest, caught in the political turmoil.

The film presents a complex conflict between revolutionaries and the British government, as well as internal divisions within the Irish independence movement. Collins is portrayed as a hero, while the British forces and de Valera’s political maneuvering create moral ambiguity. The film suggests that “good” is represented by the struggle for Irish self-determination, while “evil” is portrayed in oppressive colonial rule and betrayal within the movement. These themes are complex, showing the moral dilemmas of war and politics.

Bloody Sunday (2002) Review

Bloody Sunday is a powerful, documentary-style film directed by Paul Greengrass that recounts the tragic events of January 30, 1972, in Derry, Northern Ireland. On this day, British soldiers shot and killed 13 unarmed civil rights protesters, fueling the Irish conflict.

Key characters include:

• Ivan Cooper (James Nesbitt): A civil rights leader trying to organize a peaceful march.
• British soldiers: Shown as rigid and aggressive, responding with excessive force.
• Protesters and civilians: Represent the oppressed Catholic community seeking equal rights.

The film does not present clear heroes and villains but rather portrays the British soldiers as antagonists through their brutal response. The conflict revolves around civil rights, political oppression, and the tension between nonviolent protest and violent retaliation. The theme highlights how state violence against civilians can escalate tensions. The portrayal of good and evil is nuanced—protesters are depicted as victims, while the soldiers appear as aggressors but are also shown following orders under chaotic circumstances. The film suggests a deep-rooted and complex struggle rather than a simplistic good vs. evil narrative.

Hunger (2008) Review

Hunger, directed by Steve McQueen, depicts the 1981 IRA hunger strike in the Maze Prison, focusing on Bobby Sands (Michael Fassbender), the leader of the strike. The film is an intense, almost silent meditation on the brutality of prison conditions and the extreme lengths political prisoners went to for recognition.

Key characters include:

• Bobby Sands (Michael Fassbender): The main protagonist, determined to resist British rule through self-sacrifice.
• The prison guards: Represent systemic brutality, enforcing harsh conditions on prisoners.
• Fellow IRA prisoners: Participate in protests, including the “dirty protest” and hunger strike.

The film presents good and evil in a stark yet ambiguous manner. The British government and prison authorities appear as oppressive forces, while Sands and the hunger strikers are portrayed as martyrs. However, the morality of self-inflicted suffering for political purposes is left open for interpretation. The film’s themes explore political resistance, human suffering, and the cost of ideological convictions, making the issues deeply complex.

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“Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!”

Step 1: Understanding the Assignment

• You need to write a one-page review for each of the three films: Michael Collins, Bloody Sunday, and Hunger.
• Your review should include:
  • Key characters and their traits.
  • Identification of heroes/villains.
  • Discussion of major conflicts.
  • Analysis of the themes of good vs. evil.

Step 2: Watching the Movies & Taking Notes

• Write down the names of main characters and their roles.
• Identify key conflicts and the overall message of the film.
• Note how the film presents good and evil—are the issues simple or complex?

Step 3: Structuring Your Review

1. Introduction (2-3 sentences)

   • Briefly introduce the film’s title, director, and main theme.
   • Provide a one-sentence summary of the plot.

2. Character Analysis (2-3 sentences)

   • Identify the main characters and their roles.
   • Discuss whether the film presents clear heroes and villains or if the characters are morally complex.

3. Major Conflicts and Themes (4-5 sentences)

   • Describe the central conflict and how it drives the story.
   • Analyze the movie’s portrayal of good vs. evil—are the issues black and white or complex?

4. Conclusion (2-3 sentences)

   • Summarize how the film presents its themes.
   • Give a brief personal opinion on its effectiveness in portraying history or political conflict.

Step 4: Writing & Formatting

• Use formal language with clear arguments.
• Keep each review one page long (approximately 250-300 words).
• Use APA format if citations are required (e.g., citing a historical source for comparison).

Step 5: Proofreading & Final Edits

• Check for grammar and clarity.
• Ensure that all required elements are covered.
• Make sure each review follows a logical flow.

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